Nuance Audio

What Nuance Audio does

Nuance Audio is a hearing glasses product brand operated by Luxottica of America Inc., a subsidiary of EssilorLuxottica, that combines prescription eyewear with over-the-counter directional audio hearing assistance in a single wearable device. The company was established after EssilorLuxottica acquired the underlying directional audio hearing technology from a Tel Aviv-based startup called Nuance in 2023, and the product received FDA OTC hearing aid approval on February 3, 2025, launching in the US market in Q1 2025.

The core product, Nuance Audio Hearing Glasses, uses directional audio technology and open-ear speakers built into the frames to amplify sound from the direction the wearer is looking. Frames are available in two styles (Square and Panthos) and three colors (Shiny Black, Shiny Burgundy, Deep Blue), with optional prescription lenses, Transitions Gen S photochromic lenses, and blue-violet light filtering. A companion mobile app (iOS 16+ and Android 12+) enables audio preset switching, volume adjustment, background noise reduction, own-voice calibration, and over-the-air firmware updates. Accessories include a wireless charging pad (bundled with purchase) and an optional remote control for on-the-go adjustments.

The business model is a direct-to-consumer omnichannel hardware sale priced from $699 per pair, with revenue also from prescription lens and accessory upsells. Distribution combines the company's own e-commerce site (nuanceaudio.com) with EssilorLuxottica's owned retail footprint of more than 400 LensCrafters and Target Optical stores for in-store demos, professional fittings, collect-in-store pickup, and insurance direct billing. The company accepts FSA/HSA payments, Klarna installments, and a 10% community discount via ID.me for verified military, first responders, teachers, students, and government employees. Target customers are the approximately 30 million Americans with mild-to-moderate hearing loss who underutilize traditional hearing aids due to stigma, cost, and comfort concerns, as well as workplace professionals seeking hearing support in noisy environments.

Name

Nuance Audio

Legal name

Luxottica of America Inc.

Website

https://nuanceaudio.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2023

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

5,001–10,000 employees

Short description

Nuance Audio is a hearing glasses brand from EssilorLuxottica that embeds FDA-approved directional audio hearing aid technology into prescription eyewear frames, sold direct-to-consumer and through 400+ LensCrafters and Target Optical stores to Americans with mild-to-moderate hearing loss.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Wearable Hearing Aids / Assistive Hearing Devices

NAICS

Optical Goods Retailers (456130), Ophthalmic Goods Manufacturing (339115)

SIC

Ophthalmic Goods (3851)

akta.pro primary industry

Optical Dispensing & Eyewear Devices (Frames, Lenses, Lens Edging/Finishing Equipment) (HLAHAJAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Prescription Eyewear Frames (Optical) (CRAAAKAA), Sunglasses (Non-Prescription) (CRAAAKAB)

Keywords

• OTC hearing aids
• Hearing glasses
• Directional audio eyewear
• Wearable hearing devices
• Assistive listening eyewear

Headquarters

HQ city

Milan

HQ country

Italy

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Hearing Glasses Sales: One-time hardware sales of Nuance Audio Hearing Glasses, available in prescription and non-prescription versions with customizable lenses (Transitions®, blue-violet light filtering). Frames sold in two shapes (Square, Panthos) and three colors (Shiny Black, Shiny Burgundy, Deep Blue).
2. Accessories: Accessories including wireless charging pad (included with purchase, also sold separately) and optional compact remote control for volume and audio mode adjustments on the go.
3. Prescription Lens Add-ons: Revenue from lens customization options including prescription lenses, Transitions® Gen S upgrades, and blue-violet light filtering treatments added to the base glasses frames.
4. Insurance Direct Billing: Direct billing to insurance providers (EyeMed, Aetna, Anthem, Cigna, Humana, and others) for prescription hearing glasses, reducing out-of-pocket cost for customers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Nuance Audio designs, manufactures, and sells FDA-approved over-the-counter hearing glasses — prescription-ready or non-prescription eyeglass frames with embedded open-ear speakers and directional audio amplification technology that enhances sound from the direction the wearer is looking. The hardware is paired with a companion mobile app for personalization and is sold direct-to-consumer online and through 400+ LensCrafters and Target Optical stores, priced from $699.

Product overview

Nuance Audio is a product line from EssilorLuxottica offering an all-in-one hearing and vision solution. The core product is the Nuance Audio Hearing Glasses — prescription-ready or Transitions-equipped eyewear with built-in open-ear hearing aids using directional audio technology. The portfolio includes two frame styles (Square and Panthos) in three colors, sold at $699 and above. Supporting products include the Nuance Audio App (iOS/Android companion for personalization and firmware updates), the Charging Pad (included with purchase, also sold separately), and the Remote Control (optional accessory for on-the-go volume and audio mode adjustments). The glasses target the approximately 30 million Americans with mild to moderate hearing loss and received FDA OTC hearing aid approval in February 2025.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Nuance Audio: Hearing glasses with built-in directional audio hearing technology, combining vision correction with assistive listening devices for mild to moderate hearing loss.

Products and services

• Nuance Audio Hearing Glasses FDA-approved over-the-counter eyeglasses (prescription or non-prescription) with built-in open-ear speakers and directional audio amplification that enhances sound from the direction the wearer is looking. Available in Square and Panthos frame shapes and three colors (Shiny Black, Shiny Burgundy, Deep Blue), with optional Transitions Gen S photochromic or blue-violet light filtering lenses. Priced from $699. Targets adults with mild to moderate hearing loss who want a discreet, dual-function alternative to traditional hearing aids.
• Nuance Audio Charging Pad Wireless charging pad for Nuance Audio Hearing Glasses. Included with every purchase and also sold separately as a replacement or spare.
• Nuance Audio Remote Control Optional compact remote control for on-the-go volume adjustment and audio mode switching on the hearing glasses.
• Nuance Audio Mobile App Companion mobile app for iOS and Android that lets users personalize their Nuance Audio Hearing Glasses: adjust volume, reduce background noise, switch between four audio presets and audio modes, calibrate own voice, and receive firmware updates.

Quantifiable outcome

• 1.25 billion people worldwide have perceived mild to moderate hearing loss (WHO World Report on Hearing, 2021)
• +1 more outcomes

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration16 records

AI capability5 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Tel Aviv-based Nuance (Technology Startup)coreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2023EssilorLuxottica acquired the underlying directional audio hearing technology from a Tel Aviv-based startup named Nuance in 2023. This technology forms the core of the Nuance Audio Hearing Glasses product line, enabling wearable hearing aids using directional audio that amplifies sound from the direction the wearer is looking.
• UPSminorOthersUPS provides responsible shipping services for Nuance Audio orders, including ground transportation (reduced emissions by using trucks instead of higher-emission shipping modes) and optional carbon offset programs through certified reforestation, renewable energy, and wind power projects.
• DHLminorOthersDHL provides responsible shipping services for Nuance Audio orders, including ground transportation and carbon emission offset programs verified by Société Générale de Surveillance, covering reforestation, renewable energy, waste disposal, and wind power projects.
• EyeMedcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEyeMed is an in-network vision insurance provider for Nuance Audio. Customers can apply EyeMed insurance benefits directly at checkout for reduced out-of-pocket costs on prescription hearing glasses.
• AetnacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAetna is an in-network vision insurance provider for Nuance Audio. Customers can apply Aetna insurance benefits directly at checkout for reduced out-of-pocket costs on prescription hearing glasses.
• AnthemcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAnthem is an in-network vision insurance provider for Nuance Audio. Customers can apply Anthem insurance benefits directly at checkout for reduced out-of-pocket costs on prescription hearing glasses.
• CignacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCigna is an in-network vision insurance provider for Nuance Audio. Customers can apply Cigna insurance benefits directly at checkout for reduced out-of-pocket costs on prescription hearing glasses.
• HumanacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHumana is an in-network vision insurance provider for Nuance Audio. Customers can apply Humana insurance benefits directly at checkout for reduced out-of-pocket costs on prescription hearing glasses.
• Wellpoint VisioncoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWellpoint Vision is an in-network vision insurance provider for Nuance Audio. Customers can apply Wellpoint Vision insurance benefits directly at checkout for reduced out-of-pocket costs on prescription hearing glasses.
• Delta DentalcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDelta Dental is an in-network vision insurance provider for Nuance Audio. Customers can apply Delta Dental insurance benefits directly at checkout for reduced out-of-pocket costs on prescription hearing glasses.
• HMSAcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHMSA (Hawaii Medical Service Association) is an in-network vision insurance provider for Nuance Audio. Customers can apply HMSA insurance benefits directly at checkout for reduced out-of-pocket costs on prescription hearing glasses.
• BCBS of TennesseecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBlue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee is an in-network vision insurance provider for Nuance Audio. Customers can apply BCBS of Tennessee insurance benefits directly at checkout for reduced out-of-pocket costs on prescription hearing glasses.
• VSPcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVSP is an out-of-network vision insurance provider for Nuance Audio. Customers with VSP coverage can use their benefits through customer service contact (email or live chat) to understand options for using their benefits.
• MetLifecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMetLife is an out-of-network vision insurance provider for Nuance Audio. Customers with MetLife coverage can use their benefits through customer service contact (email or live chat) to understand options for using their benefits.
• LensCrafters and Target OpticalcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEssilorLuxottica's owned retail banners (LensCrafters and Target Optical, 400+ locations) serve as primary in-store distribution, fitting, and service locations for Nuance Audio products. Services include in-store demos, prescription lens fitting, insurance direct billing, collect-in-store pickup, and returns.
• ID.mecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerID.me is a trusted digital identity verification platform used by Nuance Audio to verify eligibility and provide 10% discounts on lenses to military members, first responders, teachers, students, and government employees.
• KlarnaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerKlarna provides buy-now-pay-later installment payment options for Nuance Audio customers, enabling customers to split total purchase into multiple payments without any surprises, improving affordability and conversion rates.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• GN Hearing (ReSound, Beltone): GN Hearing owns ReSound, Beltone, and Jabra (the latter being a direct OTC peer). It is a major incumbent in prescription and OTC hearing aids, providing both audiology-grade technology and consumer audio expertise that compete with Nuance Audio.
• Starkey Hearing Technologies: Starkey is one of the 'Big Five' traditional hearing aid manufacturers and is expanding into OTC offerings. Competes with Nuance Audio across both prescription and emerging OTC channels, with significantly deeper audiology R&D and clinical credibility.
• Sonova (Phonak, Unitron): Sonova owns Phonak, Unitron, and other hearing aid brands, making it the largest traditional hearing aid manufacturer globally. Its OTC and direct-to-consumer initiatives compete broadly with Nuance Audio, though primarily through clinical and audiologist channels.

Direct peers

• Jabra Enhance: Jabra Enhance (owned by GN Hearing) sells OTC and telecare-augmented hearing aids online. Competes head-to-head with Nuance Audio on convenience, virtual audiology support, and direct-to-consumer fulfillment.
• Lucid Hearing: Lucid Hearing sells OTC and prescription hearing aids through retail (including Sam's Club) and online channels. Competes with Nuance Audio for the same value-conscious hearing assistance customer via high-traffic physical distribution.
• MDHearing: MDHearing is a long-standing direct-to-consumer hearing aid brand offering value-priced OTC devices. Competes with Nuance Audio on accessibility and price, particularly for budget-constrained buyers with mild-to-moderate hearing loss.
• Lexie Hearing: Lexie Hearing sells self-fit OTC hearing aids with optional remote audiology support, including a partnership with Bose for sound technology. Directly competes with Nuance Audio for first-time hearing aid buyers seeking OTC affordability.
• Eargo: Eargo is a direct OTC hearing aid competitor offering self-fit, rechargeable hearing aids sold direct-to-consumer. Competes with Nuance Audio for the same mild-to-moderate hearing loss customer seeking a discreet, non-traditional alternative to prescription hearing aids.
• Sony (OTC Hearing Aids): Sony's CRE-C10 and CRE-E10 OTC hearing aids compete directly with Nuance Audio for the same OTC hearing aid customer, leveraging Sony's consumer electronics brand to drive awareness at sub-$1,000 price points.

Emerging players

• EssilorLuxottica Ray-Ban Meta: Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses are an EssilorLuxottica sister product offering audio and camera functionality in stylish eyewear. While not a hearing aid, they compete with Nuance Audio for the 'audio eyewear' consumer mindshare and shelf space within the same retail banners.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/nuanceaudioofficial
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/nuance-audio

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Nuance Audio